Derek Petersen of Archer, FL, and Diamant’s Legacy were crowned winners in the $25,000 Gold Coast Feed & Supply Grand Prix during ESP III at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The duo secured the win with a jump-off time of 37.38 seconds ahead of Diego Vivero of Wellington, FL, and Cerano v/h Dingenshof who stopped the timers in 38.198 seconds. Kyle Dewar of Ocala, FL, and Clever van de Helle rounded out the top three with a time of 38.492.
Derek Petersen and Diamant’s Legacy. Photo by Anne Gittins
The class saw 20 entries contest the course, designed by Andy Christiansen of Wellington, FL, with twelve combinations advancing to test the short course.
“It went well. It was my first show back since I broke my collarbone in August. I have this metal rod in my shoulder, so, that hurts. I had to be careful, but still try to win. It was fun,” said Petersen.
Petersen and Diamant’s Legacy have been partnered together for several years and have been successful in national classes at PBIEC in years past. The pair has developed a strong partnership and Petersen felt very confident heading into the jump-off round.
Derek Petersen and Diamant’s Legacy in their presentation ceremony with ring master Steve Rector and Jess Nichols of Gold Coast Feed & Nutrition. Photo by Anne Gittins
“My strategy was to win. The horse was amazing. I went second to last and there was a tight turn to get into the combination and he did really well,” he explained. “We went fast on a rollback to the skinny oxer and I thought, ‘Okay, I’m going to try to win it.’ I saw the last jump five strides out and kept gunning it. I thank God everyday I’m able to do this.”